Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a substrate including an opening area and a display area at least partially surrounding the opening area; and a metal layer including a first region and a second region adjacent to a non-display area between the opening area and the display area, the first region and the second region are spaced apart from each other, and one of the first region and the second region includes a protrusion extending toward the other of the first region and the second region, and the other of the first region and the second region has a shape to receive the protrusion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/472,513, filed Sep. 10, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/686,842, filed Nov. 18, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.11,121,192, which claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2019-0011985, filed Jan. 30, 2019, the entirecontents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Aspects of embodiments relate to a display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the purposes of a display device have become more diversified.Also, as display devices have become thinner and more lightweight, theirrange of use has gradually been extended.

As an area occupied by a display area of display devices increases,functions that may be combined or associated with the display device arebeing added. As a way of adding various functions while increasing anarea, research into a display device including an opening in a displayarea is in progress.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of one or more embodiments, a display deviceincludes an opening area or an opening that is at least partiallysurrounded by a display area.

Additional aspects will be set forth, in part, in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: asubstrate including an opening area and a display area at leastpartially surrounding the opening area; and a metal layer including afirst region and a second region adjacent to a non-display area betweenthe opening area and the display area, wherein the first region and thesecond region are spaced apart from each other, and one of the firstregion and the second region includes a protrusion extending toward theother of the first region and the second region, and the other of thefirst region and the second region has a shape to receive theprotrusion.

The metal layer may include a metal having a light-blockingcharacteristic.

The first region and the second region may be arranged in acircumferential direction surrounding an edge of the opening area.

The display device may further include: an input sensing layer locatedin the display area and including first sensing electrodes and secondsensing electrodes adjacent to the first sensing electrodes.

One of the first region and the second region may be connected to one ofthe first sensing electrodes that is adjacent to the opening area, andthe other of the first region and the second region may be connected toone of the second sensing electrodes that is adjacent to the openingarea.

The first region or the second region connected to one of the firstsensing electrodes may be adjacent to one of the second sensingelectrodes that is adjacent to the opening area, and the first region orthe second region connected to one of the second sensing electrodes maybe adjacent to one of the first sensing electrodes that is adjacent tothe opening area.

The first sensing electrodes may be arranged in a first direction, andthe second sensing electrodes may be arranged in a second directioncrossing the first direction.

The first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes may bealternately arranged in a second direction crossing a first direction.

The first region and the second region may be arranged on a same layeron which one of the first sensing electrodes and the second sensingelectrodes is arranged.

The display device may further include a first sub-connection electrodelocated in the non-display area and electrically connected to the firstsensing electrodes spaced apart by the opening area.

The first sub-connection electrode may include a first electrode havinga ring shape along a circumferential direction surrounding an edge ofthe opening area; and a second electrode protruding in a radialdirection of the opening area from the first electrode having the ringshape.

The first region may overlap a portion of the first sub-connectionelectrode and may be electrically connected to the first sub-connectionelectrode.

The display device may further include: a second sub-connectionelectrode located in the non-display area and electrically connected tothe second sensing electrodes spaced apart by the opening area.

The second sub-connection electrode and the second region may bearranged on a same layer.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: asubstrate including an opening area and a display area at leastpartially surrounding the opening area; a plurality of pixels arrangedin the display area; an encapsulation layer covering the plurality ofpixels; an input sensing layer arranged over the encapsulation layer;and a metal layer arranged over the encapsulation layer and including afirst region and a second region adjacent to a non-display area betweenthe opening area and the display area, wherein one of the first regionand the second region includes a protrusion extending toward the otherof the first region and the second region, and the other of the firstregion and the second region has a shape to receive the protrusion.

The first region and the second region may be arranged in acircumferential direction surrounding an edge of the opening area.

The input sensing layer may include: first sensing electrodes; andsecond sensing electrodes adjacent to the first sensing electrodes.

One of the first region and the second region may be connected to one ofthe first sensing electrodes that is adjacent to the opening area, andthe other of the first region and the second region may be connected toone of the second sensing electrodes that is adjacent to the openingarea.

The first region or the second region connected to one of the firstsensing electrodes may be adjacent to one of the second sensingelectrodes that is adjacent to the opening area, and the first region orthe second region connected to one of the second sensing electrodes maybe adjacent to one of the first sensing electrodes that is adjacent tothe opening area.

The first region and the second region may be arranged on a same layeron which one of the first sensing electrodes and the second sensingelectrodes is arranged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of some embodiments, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one of pixels of a displaypanel;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan views of a portion of a display panel accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an input sensing layer of a display panelaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the input sensing layer taken alongthe line II-II′ of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of a first conductive layer of FIG. 8 ; and FIGS.9B to 9D are plan views of a second conductive layer of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a neighborhood of an opening area ofa display device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of a region “A” of FIG. 10 ; and FIG.12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV′ of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a region “B” of FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 14 is a conceptual view of a metal layer and sensing electrodes ofa display device according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views for explaining an area or a size of a metallayer according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of a neighborhood of an opening area ofa display device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged plan view of a region “C” of FIG. 16 ; FIG. 18 isa cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V′ of FIG. 17 ; and FIG.19 is an enlarged plan view of a region corresponding to the region “C”of FIG. 16 , according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are enlarged plan views of a region corresponding to theregion “C” of FIG. 16 according to embodiments;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged plan view of a region “D” of FIG. 16 according toan embodiment;

FIGS. 23 to 27 are enlarged plan views of a metal layer according toembodiments;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III′ of FIG.10 ;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of a portion of a display device according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a metal layer and an input sensing layer ofthe display device of FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of an input sensing layer of a display panelaccording to another embodiment; and

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI′ of FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As the present disclosure allows for various changes and numerousembodiments, some example embodiments will be illustrated in thedrawings and described in further detail in the written description. Aneffect and a characteristic of the disclosure, and a method ofaccomplishing these will be apparent when referring to embodimentsdescribed with reference to the drawings. This disclosure may, however,be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

Herein, the disclosure will be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which some example embodiments of thedisclosure are shown. When description is made with reference to thedrawings, like reference numerals in the drawings denote like orcorresponding elements, and repeated description thereof will beomitted.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list ofelements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify theindividual elements of the list.

It is to be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used herein to describe various components, these componentsshould not be limited by these terms. These components are used todistinguish one component from another.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

It is to be further understood that the terms “comprises/includes”and/or “comprising/including” used herein specify the presence of statedfeatures or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition ofone or more other features or components.

It is to be understood that when a layer, region, or component isreferred to as being “formed on” another layer, region, or component, itmay be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region, orcomponent. That is, for example, one or more intervening layers,regions, or components may be present.

Sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience ofexplanation. In other words, since sizes and thicknesses of componentsin the drawings may be arbitrarily illustrated for convenience ofexplanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

When a certain embodiment may be implemented differently, a specificprocess order may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order.

It is to be understood that when a layer, region, or component isreferred to as being “connected” to another layer, region, or component,it may be directly connected to the other layer, region, or component ormay be indirectly connected to the other layer, region, or componentwith one or more other layers, regions, or components interposedtherebetween. For example, it is to be understood that when a layer,region, or component is referred to as being “connected to orelectrically connected” to another layer, region, or component, it maybe directly connected or electrically connected to the other layer,region, or component or may be indirectly connected or electricallyconnected to other layer, region, or component with one or more otherlayers, regions, or components interposed therebetween.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments of theinventive concept belong. It is to be further understood that terms,such as those defined in commonly-used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device 1 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the display device 1 includes a display area DAand a non-display area NDA that does not emit light. The non-displayarea NDA is adjacent to the display area DA. The display device 1 mayproduce an image (e.g., a predetermined image) by using light emittedfrom a plurality of pixels arranged in the display area DA.

The display device 1 includes an opening area OA at least partiallysurrounded by the display area DA. In an embodiment, as is shown in FIG.1 , the opening area OA is entirely surrounded by the display area DA.In an embodiment, the non-display area NDA includes a first non-displayarea NDA1 surrounding the opening area OA, and a second non-display areaNDA2 surrounding the display area DA. In an embodiment, the firstnon-display area NDA1 may entirely surround the opening area OA, thedisplay area DA may entirely surround the first non-display area NDA1,and the second non-display area NDA2 may entirely surround the displayarea DA.

Although an organic light-emitting display device is exemplarilydescribed as the display device 1 according to an embodiment below, thedisplay device is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, any ofvarious types of display devices, such as an inorganic light-emittingdisplay and a quantum dot light-emitting display, may be used.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 according to anembodiment and may correspond to a cross-section taken along the lineI-I′ of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the display device 1 may include a display panel10, an input sensing layer 40, and an optical functional layer 50arranged on the display panel 10. These layers may be covered by awindow 60. The display device 1 may include any of various electronicdevices, such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and smartwatches.

The display panel 10 may display an image. The display panel 10 includespixels arranged in the display area DA. Each of the pixels may include adisplay element and a pixel circuit connected thereto. The displayelement may include an organic light-emitting diode, an inorganiclight-emitting diode, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode.

The input sensing layer 40 obtains coordinate information correspondingto an external input, for example, a touch event. The input sensinglayer 40 may include a sensing electrode (or a touch electrode) andtrace lines connected to the sensing electrode. The input sensing layer40 may be arranged on the display panel 10.

The input sensing layer 40 may be directly formed on the display panel10 or may be formed separately and then coupled to the display panel 10by using an adhesive layer, such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA). Forexample, the input sensing layer 40 may be successively formed after aprocess of forming the display panel 10. In this case, the adhesivelayer may not be arranged between the input sensing layer 40 and thedisplay panel 10. Although FIG. 2 shows that the input sensing layer 40is arranged between the display panel 10 and the optical functionallayer 50, the input sensing layer 40 may be arranged on the opticalfunctional layer 50 in another embodiment.

The optical functional layer 50 may include a reflection preventionlayer. The reflection prevention layer may reduce reflectivity of light(external light) incident from the outside toward the display panel 10through the window 60. In an embodiment, the reflection prevention layermay include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder may include afilm-type retarder or a liquid crystal-type retarder. The retarder mayinclude a λ/2 retarder and/or a λ/4 retarder. The polarizer may includea film-type polarizer or a liquid crystal-type polarizer. The film-typepolarizer may include a stretchable synthetic resin film, and the liquidcrystal-type polarizer may include liquid crystals arranged in apredetermined arrangement. Each of the retarder and the polarizer mayfurther include a protective film. The retarder and the polarizerthemselves or their protective films may be defined as a base layer ofthe reflection prevention layer.

In another embodiment, the reflection prevention layer may include ablack matrix and color filters. The color filters may be arranged bytaking into account colors of light emitted respectively from pixels ofthe display panel 10. In another embodiment, the reflection preventionlayer may include a destructive interference structure. The destructiveinterference structure may include a first reflection layer and a secondreflection layer respectively arranged in different layers. Firstreflected light and second reflected light respectively reflected by thefirst reflection layer and the second reflection layer may createdestructive interference and, thus, the reflectivity of external lightmay be reduced.

The optical functional layer 50 may include a lens layer. The lens layermay improve the emission efficiency of light emitted from the displaypanel 10 or reduce the color deviation of light. The lens layer mayinclude a layer having a concave or convex lens shape and/or include aplurality of layers respectively having different refractive indexes.The optical functional layer 50 may include both the reflectionprevention layer and the lens layer or may include one of the reflectionprevention layer and the lens layer.

The display panel 10, the input sensing layer 40, and/or the opticalfunctional layer 50 may include an opening. With regard to this, FIG. 2shows that the display panel 10, the input sensing layer 40, and theoptical functional layer 50 respectively include first to third openings10H, 40H, and 50H and that the first to third openings 10H, 40H, and 50Hthereof overlap each other. The first to third openings 10H, 40H, and50H are located to correspond to the opening area OA. In anotherembodiment, at least one of the display panel 10, the input sensinglayer 40, or the optical functional layer 50 may not include an opening.For example, one or two of the display panel 10, the input sensing layer40, and the optical functional layer 50 may not include an opening.Herein, the opening area OA may represent at least one of the first tothird openings 10H, 40H, and 50H, respectively, of the display panel 10,the input sensing layer 40, and the optical functional layer 50. Forexample, in the present specification, the opening area OA may representthe first opening 10H of the display panel 10.

A component 20 may correspond to the opening area OA. As shown by asolid line in FIG. 2 , the component 20 may be located in the first tothird openings 10H, 40H, and 50H or, as shown by a dotted line, thecomponent 20 may be located below the display panel 10.

The component 20 may include an electronic element. For example, thecomponent 20 may include an electronic element that uses light or sound.For example, an electronic element may be a sensor, such as an infraredsensor, that emits and/or receives light, a camera that receives lightand captures an image, a sensor that outputs and senses light or soundto measure a distance or recognize a fingerprint, a small lamp thatoutputs light, or a speaker that outputs sound. An electronic elementthat uses light may use light in various wavelength bands, such asvisible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. In an embodiment,the opening area OA may be understood as a transmission area throughwhich light and/or sound, which are output from the component 20 to theoutside or propagate toward the electronic element from the outside, maypass.

In another embodiment, in a case in which the display device 1 is usedas a smartwatch or an instrument panel for an automobile, for example,the component 20 may be a member including a needle of a clock or aneedle, etc. indicating predetermined information (e.g., the velocity ofa vehicle, etc.). In the case in which the display device 1 includes thecomponent 20, such as a needle of a clock or an instrument panel for anautomobile, the component 20 may be exposed to the outside through thewindow 60, which may include an opening corresponding to the openingarea OA.

As described above, the component 20 may include one or more elementsrelated to a function of the display panel 10 or an element such as anaccessory that increases an aesthetic sense of the display panel 10.

Although it is shown in FIG. 2 that the window 60 is spaced apart fromthe optical functional layer 50 by an interval (e.g., a predeterminedinterval), a layer including an OCA may be located between the window 60and the optical functional layer 50.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the display panel 10 according to anembodiment; and FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one of pixelsof the display panel 10.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the display panel 10 includes the display area DA,the first non-display area NDA1, and the second non-display area NDA2.FIG. 3 may be understood as a figure of a substrate 100. For example, itmay be understood that the substrate 100 includes the opening area OA,the display area DA, the first non-display area NDA1, and the secondnon-display area NDA2. Although not shown, the substrate 100 may includean opening corresponding to the opening area OA, for example, an openingpassing through a top surface and a bottom surface of the substrate 100.

The display panel 10 includes a plurality of pixels P arranged in thedisplay area DA. As shown in FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, each pixel Pincludes a pixel circuit PC and an organic light-emitting diode OLED asa display element connected to the pixel circuit PC. The pixel circuitPC may include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, and acapacitor Cst. Each pixel P may emit, for example, red, green, blue, orwhite light through the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The firsttransistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may be implemented as a thinfilm transistor.

The second transistor T2 is a switching thin film transistor and isconnected to a scan line SL and a data line DL, and may transfer a datavoltage input from the data line DL to the first transistor T1 inresponse to a switching voltage input from the scan line SL. Thecapacitor Cst may be connected to the second transistor T2 and a drivingvoltage line PL and may store a voltage corresponding to a differencebetween a voltage transferred from the second transistor T2 and a firstpower voltage ELVDD supplied from the driving voltage line PL.

The first transistor T1 is a driving transistor and may be connected tothe driving voltage line PL and the capacitor Cst and may control adriving current flowing through the organic light-emitting diode OLEDfrom the driving voltage line PL in response to the voltage value storedin the capacitor Cst. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emitlight having brightness (e.g., predetermined brightness) by using thedriving current. An opposite electrode (e.g. a cathode) of the organiclight-emitting diode OLED may receive a second power voltage ELVSS.

Although it is shown in FIG. 4 that the pixel circuit PC includes twotransistors and one capacitor, the present disclosure is not limitedthereto. The number of transistors and the number of capacitors may bevariously modified depending on a design of the pixel circuit PC.

Referring to FIG. 3 again, the first non-display area NDA1 may surroundthe opening area OA. The first non-display area NDA1 is an area in whicha display element such as the organic light-emitting diode OLED is notarranged. Signal lines configured to provide a signal to pixels Parranged around the opening area OA may pass across the firstnon-display area NDA1, or groove(s), which will be described below, maybe arranged in the first non-display area NDA1. A scan driver 1100configured to provide a scan signal to each pixel P, a data driver 1200configured to provide a data signal to each pixel P, main power wirings(not shown) configured to provide a first power voltage ELVDD and asecond power voltage ELVSS, etc. may be arranged in the secondnon-display area NDA2. Although it is shown in FIG. 4 that the datadriver 1200 is adjacent to one side of the substrate 100, the datadriver 1200 may be arranged on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)electrically connected to a pad arranged on one side of the displaypanel 10 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of the display panel 10 according toan embodiment and shows wirings, for example, signal lines, located inthe first non-display area NDA1.

Referring to FIG. 5 , pixels P may be arranged around the opening OA inthe display area DA, and the first non-display area NDA1 may be arrangedbetween the opening area OA and the display area DA.

Pixels P may be spaced apart from each other around the opening area OA.The pixels P may be spaced apart up and down around the opening area OA,or spaced apart left and right around the opening area OA.

Signal lines adjacent to the opening area OA among the signal linesconfigured to supply a signal to the pixels P may detour (or bypass)around the opening OA. Some of the data lines DL that pass across thedisplay area DA may extend in a y-direction so as to provide a datasignal to the pixels P arranged up and down with the opening area OAtherebetween, and detour along an edge of the opening area OA in thefirst non-display area NDA1. Some of the scan lines SL that pass acrossthe display area DA may extend in an x-direction so as to provide a scansignal to the pixels P arranged left and right with the opening area OAtherebetween, and detour along an edge of the opening area OA in thefirst non-display area NDA1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of the display panel 10 according toan embodiment and shows a metal layer 30 and signal lines located in thefirst non-display area NDA1.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the metal layer 30 is arranged in the firstnon-display area NDA1 surrounding the opening area OA. A width W1 of themetal layer 30 may be less than a width W0 of the first non-display areaNDA1. Alternatively, the width W1 of the metal layer 30 may be the sameas the width W0 of the first non-display area NDA1. Here, the width W1of the metal layer 30 and the width W0 of the first non-display areaNDA1 may respectively denote distances in a radial direction from acenter CO of the opening area OA.

The metal layer 30 may include metal that does not transmit light, thatis, that has a light-blocking characteristic. For example, the metallayer 30 may include any of Mo, Al, Cu, and Ti and may include a singlelayer or a multi-layer including any of the above materials. In anembodiment, the metal layer 30 may include a multi-layer includingTi/Al/Ti.

The metal layer 30 may cover signal lines arranged therebelow, forexample, the data lines DL and/or the scan lines SL described withreference to FIG. 5 . Light incident toward the display panel 10 fromthe outside may be reflected by the data lines DL and/or the scan linesSL and may progress to the outside. The metal layer 30 may prevent orsubstantially prevent light reflected by the data lines DL and/or thescan lines SL from being provided to a user by blocking lightprogressing to the data lines DL and/or the scan lines SL from theoutside.

In an embodiment, the metal layer 30 may include a plurality of areas.The plurality of areas may be spaced apart from each other. With regardto this, although it is shown in FIG. 6 that the metal layer 30 includesfirst to fifth regions 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. The metal layer 30 may include two ormore areas, and the number of areas may be variously changed.

In an embodiment, the first to fifth regions 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350may be arranged in a circumferential direction surrounding an edge ofthe opening area OA. The first to fifth regions 310, 320, 330, 340, and350 may be spaced apart from each other.

In an embodiment, the metal layer 30 may be concurrently (e.g.,simultaneously) formed during a process of forming the input sensinglayer 40 described with reference to FIG. 2 . With regard to thestructure of the metal layer 30, the input sensing layer 40 is describedbelow first, and the structure of the metal layer is described.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the input sensing layer 40 of the display panel10 according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of theinput sensing layer taken along the line II-II′ of FIG. 7 ; FIG. 9A is aplan view of a first conductive layer of FIG. 8 ; and FIGS. 9B to 9D areplan views of a second conductive layer of FIG. 8 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the input sensing layer 40 may include firstsensing electrodes 410, first trace lines 415-1, 415-2, 415-3, and 415-4connected to the first sensing electrodes 410, second sensing electrodes420, and second trace lines 425-1, 425-2, 425-3, 425-4, and 425-5connected to the second sensing electrodes 420. The input sensing layer40 may sense an external input using a mutual cap method and/or a selfcap method.

The first sensing electrodes 410 may be arranged in a y-direction, andthe second sensing electrodes 420 may be arranged in an x-directionintersecting with or crossing the y-direction. The first sensingelectrodes 410 arranged in the y-direction may be connected to eachother by a first connection electrode 411 between the first sensingelectrodes 410 that are adjacent to each other and may constituterespective first sensing lines 410C1, 410C2, 410C3, and 410C4. Thesecond sensing electrodes 420 arranged in the x-direction may beconnected to each other by a second connection electrode 421 between thesecond sensing electrodes 420 that are adjacent to each other and mayconstitute respective second sensing lines 420R1, 420R2, 420R3, 420R4,and 420R5. The first sensing lines 410C1, 410C2, 410C3, and 410C4 andthe second sensing lines 420R1, 420R2, 420R3, 420R4, and 420R5 mayintersect with each other. For example, the first sensing lines 410C1,410C2, 410C3, and 410C4 and the second sensing lines 420R1, 420R2,420R3, 420R4, and 420R5 may be perpendicular to each other.

The first sensing lines 410C1, 410C2, 410C3, and 410C4 and the secondsensing lines 420R1, 420R2, 420R3, 420R4, and 420R5 may be arranged inthe display area DA and connected to a sensing signal pad 440 throughthe first trace lines 415-1, 415-2, 415-3, and 415-4 and the secondtrace lines 425-1, 425-2, 425-3, 425-4, and 425-5. The first sensinglines 410C1, 410C2, 410C3, and 410C4 may be respectively connected tothe first trace lines 415-1, 415-2, 415-3, and 415-4, and the secondsensing lines 420R1, 420R2, 420R3, 420R4, and 420R5 may be respectivelyconnected to the second trace lines 425-1, 425-2, 425-3, 425-4, and425-5.

It is shown in FIG. 7 that the first trace lines 415-1, 415-2, 415-3,and 415-4 are connected to a top side and a bottom side of the firstsensing lines 410C1, 410C2, 410C3, and 410C4. Through this structure,sensing sensitivity may be improved. However, the present disclosure isnot limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first trace lines 415-1,415-2, 415-3, and 415-4 may be connected to only a top side or a bottomside of the first sensing lines 410C1, 410C2, 410C3, and 410C4. Anarrangement configuration of the first trace lines 415-1, 415-2, 415-3,and 415-4 and the second trace lines 425-1, 425-2, 425-3, 425-4, and425-5 may be variously changed depending on a shape, a size of thedisplay area DA, or a sensing method, etc. of the input sensing layer40.

In an embodiment, the first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensingelectrode 420 may have a rhombus or generally rhombus shape. The firstsensing electrode 410 and the second sensing electrode 420 that areadjacent to the opening area OA may have a shape in which at least oneside thereof adjacent to the opening area OA has been transformed alonga circumference of the opening area OA.

Accordingly, areas of the first sensing electrode 410 and the secondsensing electrode 420 that are adjacent to the opening area OA may beless than areas of the first sensing electrode 410 and the secondsensing electrode 420 in other areas. Areas or sizes of the firstsensing electrode 410 and the second sensing electrode 420 that areadjacent to the opening area OA may be different from each other. In anembodiment, the metal layer 30 arranged in a circumferential directionsurrounding the opening area OA may include a same material as that ofone of the first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensing electrode420 and may be formed during a same process as a process of forming ofone of the first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensing electrode420.

The input sensing layer 40 may include a plurality of conductive layers.Referring to FIG. 8 , the input sensing layer 40 may include a firstconductive layer CML1 and a second conductive layer CML2 arranged overthe display panel 10. A first insulating layer 41 may be arrangedbetween the first conductive layer CML1 and the display panel 10. Asecond insulating layer 43 may be arranged between the first conductivelayer CML1 and the second conductive layer CML2. A third insulatinglayer may be arranged on the second conductive layer CML2.

In an embodiment, the first and second insulating layers 41 and 43 mayinclude an inorganic insulating layer including silicon nitride, and thethird insulating layer 45 may include an organic insulating layer.Although it is shown in FIG. 8 that the first insulating layer 41 isarranged between the display panel 10 and the first conductive layerCML1, the first insulating layer 41 may be omitted and the firstconductive layer CML1 may be directly arranged on the display panel 10in another embodiment. In another embodiment, the first and secondinsulating layers 41 and 43 may include an organic insulating layer.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the first conductive layer CML1 may include thefirst connection electrodes 411. As shown in FIG. 9B, the secondconductive layer CML2 may include the first sensing electrodes 410, thesecond sensing electrodes 420, and the second connection electrodes 421.The second sensing electrodes 420 may be connected to each other by thesecond connection electrodes 421 formed on a same layer on which thesecond sensing electrodes 420 are arranged. The first sensing electrodes410 may be connected to each other by the first connection electrodes411 formed on a layer different from a layer on which the first sensingelectrodes 410 are arranged. The first connection electrode 411electrically connecting the first sensing electrodes 410 that neighboreach other may be connected to the first sensing electrodes 410 thatneighbor each other through a contact hole CNT formed in the secondinsulating layer 43.

In an embodiment, the first and second conductive layers CML1 and CML2include metal. For example, the first and second conductive layers CML1and CML2 may include at least one of Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc. and mayinclude a single layer or a multi-layer including the above materials.In an embodiment, the first and second conductive layers CML1 and CML2include a multi-layer including Ti/Al/Ti.

Referring to enlarged views of FIGS. 9B to 9D, the first sensingelectrode 410 may have a grid structure (or a lattice structure)including a plurality of holes 410H. The hole 410H may overlap anemission area P-E of a pixel. Similarly, the second sensing electrode420 may have a grid structure (or a lattice structure) including aplurality of holes 420H. The hole 420H may overlap an emission area P-Eof a pixel. The holes 410H and 420H may respectively have differentareas. In an embodiment, a line width of each of lattice lines may beabout several micrometers. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C, thefirst sensing electrode 410 and the second sensing electrode 420 mayface each other with a virtual boundary line BR therebetween. In anembodiment, as shown in FIG. 9D, the first sensing electrode 410 and thesecond sensing electrode 420 may have a shape in which boundary sidesthereof facing each other alternate with the virtual boundary line BRtherebetween by having a protrusion pattern. Depending on the shapes ofthe boundary sides of the first sensing electrode 410 and the secondsensing electrode 420, the boundary line BR may have a straight lineshape as shown in FIG. 9C, or the boundary line BR may have a zigzag orcurved shape as shown in FIG. 9D.

In an embodiment, the metal layer 30 shown in FIG. 7 may be concurrently(e.g., simultaneously) formed during a process of forming one of thefirst conductive layer CML1 and the second conductive layer CML2. Forexample, the metal layer 30 may be formed during a process of formingthe second conductive layer CML2. In an embodiment, the metal layer 30may be located on a same layer as a layer on which the first sensingelectrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and/or the secondconnection electrode 421 are arranged and may include a same material asthat of the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode420, and/or the second connection electrode 421. In an embodiment, thesecond connection electrode 421 may be formed as one body with thesecond sensing electrode 420. In another embodiment, the metal layer 30may be formed during a process of forming the first conductive layerCML1. In an embodiment, the metal layer 30 may be located on a samelayer as a layer on which the first connection electrode 411 is arrangedand may include a same material as that of the first connectionelectrode 411.

Although it is described in FIGS. 8 to 9B that the first sensingelectrode 410 and the first connection electrode 411 are arranged ondifferent layers, and the second sensing electrode 420 and the secondconnection electrode 421 are arranged on the same layer, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the firstsensing electrodes 410 and the first connection electrodes 411 may bearranged on a same layer (e.g., the second conductive layer), and thesecond sensing electrode 420 and the second connection electrode 421 maybe arranged on different layers and connected to each other through acontact hole passing through the second insulating layer 43.

Although it is described in FIGS. 8 to 9B that the first and secondsensing electrodes 410 and 420 are included in the second conductivelayer CML2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In anotherembodiment, the first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensingelectrode 420 may be respectively arranged on different layers. Forexample, one of the first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensingelectrode 420 may be formed in the first conductive layer CML1, and theother may be formed in the second conductive layer CML2.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a neighborhood of the opening areaOA of the display device 1 according to an embodiment; FIG. 11 is anenlarged plan view of a region “A” of FIG. 10 ; FIG. 12 is across-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV′ of FIG. 11 ; and FIG.13 is an enlarged plan view of a region “B” of FIG. 10 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , the metal layer 30 may include the first to fifthregions 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350. The first to fifth regions 310,320, 330, 340, and 350 may be spaced apart from each other by aninterval (e.g., a predetermined interval) to surround the opening areaOA. As described above, the metal layer 30 may be located on a samelayer as a layer on which one of the first and second conductive layersCML1 and CML2 provided to the input sensing layer 40 (see FIG. 8 ) isarranged, and may include a same material as that of one of the firstand second conductive layers CML1 and CML2. Herein, description is madewith respect to a case in which the metal layer 30 is located on a samelayer on which the second conductive layer CML2 is arranged and includesa same material as that of the second conductive layer CML2.

The first sensing electrodes 410 may be spaced apart from each otheraround the opening area OA, and the second sensing electrodes 420 may bespaced apart from each other. The first sensing electrodes 410 thatneighbor each other and are spaced apart from each other around theopening area OA may be electrically connected to each other by using afirst sub-connection electrode 411S. The second sensing electrodes 420that neighbor each other and are spaced apart from each other around theopening area OA may be electrically connected to each other by using thesecond connection electrode 421 or a second sub-connection electrode421S and/or one of regions.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first sensing electrodes 410 thatneighbor each other and are respectively arranged up and down around theopening area OA may be electrically connected to each other by the firstsub-connection electrode 411S. The first sub-connection electrode 411Sis a modified element of the first connection electrode 411 and may beincluded in the first conductive layer CML1 shown in FIG. 8 .

In an embodiment, the first sub-connection electrode 411S may include afirst electrode 411A having a circular band (ring) shape and arranged ina circumferential direction surrounding the opening area OA, and asecond electrode 411B protruding from the first electrode 411A, having aline shape, and contacting the first sensing electrode 410. In anembodiment, the first electrode 411A and the second electrode 411B maybe formed as one body. The number of second electrodes 411B connected tothe first sensing electrode 410 may be one or more. In an embodiment,the first sensing electrode 410 arranged above the opening area OA maybe connected to the first sub-connection electrode 411S by contactingtwo second electrodes 411B. In an embodiment, the first sensingelectrode 410 arranged below the opening area OA may be connected to thefirst sub-connection electrode 411S by contacting two second electrodes411B on the left and two second electrodes 411B on the right. Since thesecond electrode 411B and the first electrode 411A are connected to eachother, the first sensing electrodes 410 respectively arranged above andbelow the opening area OA may be electrically connected to each other.

The second sensing electrodes 420 that neighbor each other and arearranged on the upper right and the upper left of the opening area OAmay be electrically connected to each other by the second connectionelectrode 421. The second sensing electrodes 420 and the secondconnection electrode 421 may be included in the second conductive layerCML2 as described above.

The second sensing electrodes 420 that neighbor each other and arearranged on the lower right and the lower left of the opening area OAmay be electrically connected to each other by the second sub-connectionelectrode 421S and the fifth region 350. The second sub-connectionelectrode 421S is a modified element of the second connection electrode421 and may be included in the second conductive layer CML2 shown inFIG. 8 . The second sub-connection electrode 421S may include a firstelectrode 421A connected to the second sensing electrode 420 arranged onthe lower left and a second electrode 421B connected to the secondsensing electrode 420 arranged on the lower right. The first electrode421A and the second electrode 421B may be electrically connected to thefifth region 350. That is, in an embodiment, the second sensingelectrode 420, the second sub-connection electrode 421S, and the fifthregion 350 may be located on a same layer, may include a same material,and may be connected as one body.

At least one of the first to fifth regions 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350may be electrically connected to the first sensing electrode 410 or thesecond sensing electrode 420. Each of the first to fifth regions 310,320, 330, 340, and 350 may be electrically connected to a sensingelectrode to which a voltage different from that of a sensing electrodethat is adjacent thereto is applied. A region that is adjacent to thefirst sensing electrode 410 among the first to fifth regions 310, 320,330, 340, and 350 may be electrically connected to the second sensingelectrode 420 in the neighborhood. A region that is adjacent to thesecond sensing electrode 420 among the first to fifth regions 310, 320,330, 340, and 350 may be electrically connected to the first sensingelectrode 410 in the neighborhood.

It is shown in FIG. 10 that each of the first to fifth regions 310, 320,330, 340, and 350 is connected to the first sensing electrode 410 or thesecond sensing electrode 420. The first region 310 is adjacent to threesecond sensing electrodes 420 that have a modified shape and arearranged on the upper right, the upper left, and the lower left aroundthe opening area OA, and may be electrically connected to the firstsensing electrode 410 in the neighborhood through the firstsub-connection electrode 411S. The second region 320 and the thirdregion 330 are adjacent to the first sensing electrode 410 that has amodified shape and is arranged on the right around the opening area OA,and may be electrically connected to the second sensing electrode 420 inthe neighborhood through connection portions 422 and 423. The fourthregion 340 is adjacent to the second sensing electrode 420 that has amodified shape and is arranged on the lower right around the openingarea OA, and is electrically connected to the first sensing electrode410 in the neighborhood through the first sub-connection electrode 411S.The fifth region 350 is adjacent to the first sensing electrode 410 thathas a modified shape and is arranged below around the opening area OA,and is electrically connected to the second sensing electrode 420 in theneighborhood through the second sub-connection electrode 421S.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the first region 310 may at leastpartially overlap the first sub-connection electrode 411S and may beelectrically connected to the first sub-connection electrode 411S. Thefirst region 310 may overlap the first electrode 411A or the secondelectrode 411B, or overlap both the first electrode 411A and the secondelectrode 411B. Referring to FIG. 12 , the first region 310 located onthe same layer as a layer on which the second conductive layer CML2 (seeFIG. 8 ) is arranged may contact at least a portion of the firstsub-connection electrode 411S located on the same layer as a layer onwhich the first conductive layer CML1 (see FIG. 8 ) is arranged througha contact hole formed in the second insulating layer 43. The firstregion 310 electrically connected to the first sub-connection electrode411S connecting the first sensing electrodes 410 may include a kind ofthe first sensing electrode 410.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13 , the second region 320 may be electricallyconnected to the second sensing electrode 420 by contacting one of thesecond sensing electrodes 420 through the connection portion 422. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 10 , the second sensing electrode 420 on theupper right of the opening area OA, the connection portion 422, and thesecond region 320 may be located on the same layer as a layer on whichthe second conductive layer CML2 (see FIG. 8 ) is arranged, and may beformed as one body. The second region 320 may include a kind of thesecond sensing electrode 420.

The third region 330 may be electrically connected to the second sensingelectrode 420 by contacting one of the second sensing electrodes 420through the connection portion 423. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 ,the second sensing electrode 420 on the lower right of the opening areaOA, the connection portion 423, and the third region 330 may be locatedon a same layer as a layer on which the second conductive layer CML2(see FIG. 8 ) is arranged, and may be formed as one body. The thirdregion 330 may include a kind of the second sensing electrode 420.

Similar to the first region 310, the fourth region 340 may beelectrically connected to the first sub-connection electrode 411S. In anembodiment, electrical connection of the fourth region 340 and the firstsub-connection electrode 411S is the same as the structure describedwith reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 . Similar to the first region 310, thefourth region 340 may include a kind of the first sensing electrode 410.

The fifth region 350 may be connected to the second sensing electrodes420 that neighbor each other by the second sub-connection electrode421S. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the fifth region 350 may beconnected to the second sensing electrode 420 on the lower left of theopening area OA by the first electrode 421A, and connected to the secondsensing electrode 420 on the lower right of the opening area OA by thesecond electrode 421B. In an embodiment, the second sensing electrodes420, the second sub-connection electrode 421S, and the fifth region 350may be formed on a same layer, for example, the same layer as a layer onwhich the second conductive layer CML2 (see FIG. 8 ) is arranged. Thefifth region 350 may be understood as a kind of the second sensingelectrode 420 or the second connection electrode.

FIG. 11 shows a portion of the first region 310 arranged in the firstnon-display area NDA1. The first sensing electrode 410 having agrid/lattice structure is arranged in the display area DA over the firstnon-display area NDA1. As shown in FIG. 11 , a portion of the firstsensing electrode 410 may be located in the first non-display area NDA1.

FIG. 13 shows a portion of the first region 310 arranged in the firstnon-display area NDA1, and the second region 320, and a portion of thethird region 330. The first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensingelectrode 420 having a grid/lattice structure are arranged in thedisplay area DA on the right of the first non-display area NDA1. Asshown in FIG. 13 , a portion of the first sensing electrode 410 and thesecond sensing electrode 420 may be located in the first non-displayarea NDA1. Regions electrically connected to the second sensingelectrode 420, for example, the second region 320, the third region 330,and the fifth region 350 do not overlap the first electrode 411A of thefirst sub-connection electrode 411S.

Although it is shown in FIG. 10 that areas of two first sensingelectrodes 410 and four second sensing electrodes 420 are different fromareas of the other sensing electrodes due to the opening area OA, thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto. The arrangement of the firstand second sensing electrodes 410 and 420 around the opening area OA maybe varied, and the areas of the first and second sensing electrodes 410and 420 may be varied depending on a location and/or a size of theopening area OA. A touch sensitivity or sensing sensitivity around theopening area OA may be remarkably reduced depending on the locationand/or the size of the opening area OA. As described above, in the casein which at least a portion of the first to fifth regions 310, 320, 330,340, and 350 of the metal layer 30 is connected to the first sensingelectrode 410 or the second sensing electrode 420, the region(s) mayperform a function of the sensing electrode and may improve the touchsensitivity around the opening area OA.

Although it is shown in FIG. 10 that the areas (or sizes) of the firstto fifth regions 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 of the metal layer 30 aredifferent, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In anotherembodiment, the areas (or sizes) of the first to fifth regions 310, 320,330, 340, and 350 may be the same. The areas or sizes of the first tofifth regions 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 may be determined depending onthe location and/or the size of the opening area OA. Depending on thelocation and/or the size of the opening area OA, the number of theregions of the metal layer 30 may be varied. Although it is shown inFIG. 10 that the first and fourth regions 310 and 340 connected to thefirst sensing electrode 410 are respectively adjacent to the secondsensing electrodes 420, and the second, third, and fifth regions 320,330, and 350 connected to the second sensing electrode 420 arerespectively adjacent to the first sensing electrodes 410, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the electricalconnection and arrangement of the regions may be varied as describedbelow with reference to FIG. 14 .

FIG. 14 is a conceptual view of the metal layer 30 and the sensingelectrodes of the display device 1 according to another embodiment. Itis shown in FIG. 14 that the metal layer 30 includes six regions.

Referring to FIG. 14 , each of first to sixth regions 310′, 320′, 330′,340′, 350′, and 360′ may be electrically connected to a sensingelectrode to which a voltage different from that of a sensing electrodethat is adjacent thereto is applied. For example, each of the first andfourth regions 310′ and 340′ may be electrically connected to the secondsensing electrode 420. The second, third, fifth, and sixth regions 320′,330′, 350′, and 360′ may be electrically connected to the first sensingelectrode 410. That is, a region arranged between the opening area OAand one of the sensing electrodes may receive a voltage different fromthat of the one of the sensing electrodes.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14 , areas or sizes of sensing electrodesadjacent to the opening area OA may be different from each other. Forexample, an area or a size of the second sensing electrode 420 may begreater than an area or a size of the first sensing electrode 410. It isshown in FIG. 14 that an area or a size of a region adjacent to asensing electrode having a relatively small area among electrodes aroundthe opening area OA is greater than an area or a size of a regionadjacent to a sensing electrode having a relatively large area amongelectrodes around the opening area OA. For example, referring to FIG. 10, areas or sizes of the first and fourth regions 310 and 340 adjacent tothe second sensing electrode 420 having a relatively small area or sizemay be greater than areas or sizes of the second, third, and fifthregions 320, 330, and 350 adjacent to the first sensing electrode 410having a relatively large area or size. For example, referring to FIG.14 , an area or a size of the second region 320′ adjacent to the secondsensing electrode 420 having a relatively small area or size may begreater than an area or size of the first region 310′ adjacent to thefirst sensing electrode 410 having a relatively large area or size.However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In anotherembodiment, an area or a size of the second region adjacent to thesecond sensing electrode 420 having a relatively small area or size maybe less than an area or a size of the first region adjacent to the firstsensing electrode 410 having a relatively large area or size. AlthoughFIG. 14 does not show separately, sensing electrodes spaced apart fromeach other around the opening area OA may be connected to each other toconstitute a row or a column. For example, the first sensing electrodes410 over and below the opening area OA may be connected to each other bythe first sub-connection electrodes 411S described above with referenceto FIG. 10 . Likewise, the second sensing electrodes 420 on the lowerright and the lower left of the opening area OA may be connected to eachother by the second sub-connection electrodes 421S described withreference to FIG. 10 , and the second sensing electrodes 420 on theupper right and the upper left of the opening area OA may be connectedto each other by an electrode (not shown) similar to the secondsub-connection electrodes 421S.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views for explaining an area or a size of themetal layer 30 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15A, the first sensing electrode 410 and the secondsensing electrode 420 may be arranged to correspond to a virtual latticeline ML. All or some (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, and CA7) of thefirst sensing electrode 410 and the second sensing electrode 420arranged in the opening area OA and the first non-display area NDA1 maybe removed. In an example of FIG. 15A, the opening area OA is located inan intersection region of first sensing lines 410C3 and 410C4 and secondsensing lines 420R1 and 420R2.

Referring to FIG. 15B, the metal layer 30 may be arranged in the firstnon-display area NDA1 in which all or some (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5,CA6, and CA7) of the first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensingelectrode 420 have been removed, the metal layer 30 surrounding theopening area OA. The metal layer 30 may include the regions 310, 320,330, 340, and 350 having an area or a size corresponding to an electrodearea removed from the first sensing electrode 410 or the second sensingelectrode 420. For example, when an electrode area removed from thefirst sensing electrode 410 or the second sensing electrode 420 islarge, an area or a size of a region of the metal layer 30 adjacent tothe first sensing electrode 410 or the second sensing electrode 420 maybe large.

Although not shown, the second, third, and fifth regions 320, 330, and350 adjacent to the first sensing electrode 410 which has been partiallyremoved may be electrically connected to the second sensing electrode420 around the opening area OA. The first and fourth regions 310 and 340adjacent to the second sensing electrode 420 which has been partiallyremoved may be electrically connected to the first sensing electrode 410around the opening area OA.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show an example in which an area or a size of themetal layer 30 is determined depending on a location and/or a size ofthe opening area OA, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of a neighborhood of the opening areaOA of the display device 1 according to another embodiment; FIG. 17 isan enlarged plan view of a region “C” of FIG. 16 ; FIG. 18 is across-sectional view taken along the line V-V′ of FIG. 17 ; and FIG. 19is an enlarged plan view of a region corresponding to the region “C” ofFIG. 16 , according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16 , in an embodiment, the metal layer 30 includesfirst to fifth regions 310A, 320A, 330A, 340A, and 350A. The first tofifth regions 310A, 320A, 330A, 340A, and 350A may be spaced apart fromeach other by an interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) to surroundthe opening area OA. The embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is different fromthe embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in that some of the first to fifthregions 310A, 320A, 330A, 340A, and 350A have been transformed toinclude a protrusion passing through a virtual boundary line or a shapereceiving the protrusion. A virtual boundary line BL (referred to as aboundary line BL, herein) is defined as a central line passing through aseparated space between sides facing each other with the facing sides ofa pair of regions of the metal layer 30 adjacent to each other beingcontinuously parallel in a straight line. That is, distances between thefacing sides and the central line are the same. Herein, further detaileddescription of the same construction as that shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 isomitted.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the second region 320A may include a protrusion320AP extending toward the first region 310A beyond a boundary line BL1.The first region 310A may have an uneven shape including a groove 310Greceiving the protrusion 320AP of the second region 320A. The thirdregion 330A may include a protrusion 330AP extending toward the fourthregion 340A beyond a boundary line BL2. The fourth region 340A may havean uneven shape including a groove 340G receiving the protrusion 330APof the third region 330A.

The first region 310A may include a first portion 310Aa defined by thegroove 310G having a U-shape, and a second portion 310Ab protruding in acomb teeth or fork shape from the first portion 310Aa. The protrusion320AP of the second region 320A may be received in the groove 310G ofthe first region 310A. The protrusion 320AP of the second region 320Amay be surrounded by the second portion 310Ab of the first region 310A.The second portion 310Ab of the first region 310A and the protrusion320AP of the second region 320A may be spaced apart from each other byan interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) so as not to overlap eachother in a plan view in a radial direction from a center of the openingarea OA. A portion of the second portion 310Ab of the first region 310Amay be adjacent to the second sensing electrode 420. When a length offacing sides of the first region 310A electrically connected to thefirst sensing electrode 410 and the second region 320A electricallyconnected to the second sensing electrode 420 increases, a touchsensitivity in the first non-display area NDA1 may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 18 , in an embodiment, the second portion 310Ab of thefirst region 310A located on a same layer as a layer on which the secondconductive layer CML2 (see FIG. 8 ) is arranged may be electricallyconnected to the first electrode 411A of the first sub-connectionelectrode 411S by contacting, through a contact hole formed in thesecond insulating layer 43, the first electrode 411A located on a samelayer as a layer on which the first conductive layer CML1 (see FIG. 8 )is arranged. The protrusion 320AP of the second region 320A may belocated on a same layer as a layer on which the second conductive layerCML2 (see FIG. 8 ) is arranged and may be located between the secondportions 310Ab of the first region 310A.

The fourth region 340A may include a first portion 340Aa defined by thegroove 340G having a U-shape, and a second portion 340Ab protruding in acomb teeth or fork shape from the first portion 340Aa. The protrusion330AP of the third region 330A may be received in the groove 340G of thefourth region 340A. The protrusion 330AP of the third region 330A may besurrounded by the second portion 340Ab of the fourth region 340A. Thesecond portion 340Ab of the fourth region 340A and the protrusion 330APof the third region 330A may be spaced apart from each other by aninterval (e.g., a predetermined interval) so as not to overlap eachother in a plan view in a radial direction from a center of the openingarea OA. A portion of the second portion 340Ab of the fourth region 340Amay be adjacent to the second sensing electrode 420. When a length offacing sides of the fourth region 340A electrically connected to thefirst sensing electrode 410 and the third region 330A electricallyconnected to the second sensing electrode 420 increases, a touchsensitivity in the first non-display area NDA1 may be improved.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show that one groove 310G and 340G is respectivelyformed in each of the first region 310A and the fourth region 340A. Inanother embodiment, one or more grooves may be formed in the firstregion 310A and the fourth region 340A. A shape and/or a size of one ormore grooves may be different. The number, a shape, and/or a size ofgrooves of the first region 310A and the fourth region 340A may bedetermined depending on the number, a shape, and/or a size ofprotrusions of each of the second region 320A and the third region 330A.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which the protrusions 320AP and 330APrespectively of the second region 320A and the third region 330A, eachhaving a small area are respectively inserted into the grooves 310G and340G respectively of the first region 310A and the fourth region 340A,each having a relatively large area.

An embodiment of FIG. 19 includes an example in which protrusions 310BPand 340BP of a first region 310B and a fourth region 340B, respectively,each having a large area are inserted into grooves 320G and 330G,respectively, of a second region 320B and a third region 330B, eachhaving a relatively small area. The first to fourth regions 310B, 320B,330B, and 340B are modified examples of the first to fourth regions310A, 320A, 330A, and 340A of FIG. 16 .

Referring to FIG. 19 , the first region 310B may include the protrusion310BP extending toward the second region 320B beyond the boundary lineBL1. The second region 320B may have an uneven shape including a groove320G receiving the protrusion 310BP of the first region 310B. The fourthregion 340B may include a protrusion 340BP extending toward the thirdregion 330B beyond a boundary line BL2. The third region 330B may havean uneven shape including a groove 330G receiving the protrusion 340BPof the fourth region 340B. The second region 320B may include a firstportion 320Ba defined by the groove 320G having a U-shape, and a secondportion 320Bb protruding in a comb teeth or fork shape from the firstportion 320Ba. The protrusion 310BP of the first region 310B may bereceived in the groove 320G of the second region 320B. The protrusion310BP of the first region 310B may be surrounded by the second portion320Bb of the second region 320B. The second portion 320Bb of the secondregion 320B and the protrusion 310BP of the first region 310B may bespaced apart from each other by an interval (e.g., a predeterminedinterval) so as not to overlap each other in a plan view in a radialdirection from a center of the opening area OA. A portion of the secondportion 320Bb of the second region 320B may be adjacent to the firstsensing electrode 410. When a length of facing sides of the first region310B electrically connected to the first sensing electrode 410 and thesecond region 320B electrically connected to the second sensingelectrode 420 increases, a touch sensitivity in the first non-displayarea NDA1 may be improved.

The third region 330B may include a first portion 330Ba defined by thegroove 330G having a U-shape, and a second portion 330Bb protruding in acomb teeth or fork shape from the first portion 330Ba. The protrusion340BP of the fourth region 340B may be received in the groove 330G ofthe third region 330B. The protrusion 340BP of the fourth region 340Bmay be surrounded by the second portion 330Bb of the third region 330B.The second portion 330Bb of the third region 330B and the protrusion340BP of the fourth region 340B may be spaced apart from each other byan interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) so as not to overlap eachother in a plan view in a radial direction from a center of the openingarea OA. A portion of the second portion 330Bb of the third region 330Bmay be adjacent to the first sensing electrode 410. When a length offacing sides of the fourth region 340B electrically connected to thefirst sensing electrode 410 and the third region 330B electricallyconnected to the second sensing electrode 420 increases, a touchsensitivity in the first non-display area NDA1 may be improved.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are enlarged plan views of a region corresponding to theregion “C” of FIG. 16 according to embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 20 , first to fourth regions 310C, 320C, 330C, and340C are modified examples of the first to fourth regions 310A, 320A,330A, and 340A of FIG. 16 .

Referring to FIG. 20 , the first region 310C may include a protrusion310CP extending toward the second region 320C beyond the boundary lineBL1. One side of the second region 320C may have an uneven shapeincluding a groove 320G′ receiving the protrusion 310CP of the firstregion 310C. The fourth region 340C may include a protrusion 340CPextending toward the third region 330C beyond a boundary line BL2. Oneside of the third region 330C may have an uneven shape including agroove 330G′ receiving the protrusion 340CP of the fourth region 340C.The protrusion 310CP of the first region 310C may include a main portion310CP1 overlapping the first electrode 411A of the first sub-connectionelectrode 411S, and a plurality of branches 310CP2 protruding toward thesecond region 320C from the main portion 310CP1. The main portion 310CP1may be electrically connected to the first sub-connection electrode 411Sby contacting the first electrode 411A of the first sub-connectionelectrode 411S.

The second region 320C may include a first portion 320Ca defined by aplurality of grooves 320G′ having a U-shape and formed on a side facingthe opening area OA, and a plurality of second portions 320Cb protrudingtoward a center of the opening area OA in a comb teeth or fork shapefrom the first portion 320Ca.

The plurality of branches 310CP2 of the first region 310C may bereceived in the plurality of grooves 320G′ of the second region 320C.The plurality of branches 310CP2 of the first region 310C may besurrounded by the second portions 320Cb of the second region 320C. Thesecond portions 320Cb of the second region 320C and the plurality ofbranches 310CP2 of the first region 310C may be spaced apart from eachother by an interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) so as not tooverlap each other in a plan view. The first portion 320Ca of the secondregion 320C may be adjacent to the first sensing electrode 410. When alength of facing sides of the first region 310C electrically connectedto the first sensing electrode 410 and the second region 320Celectrically connected to the second sensing electrode 420 increases, atouch sensitivity in the first non-display area NDA1 may be improved.

The protrusion 340CP of the fourth region 340C may include a mainportion 340CP1 overlapping the first electrode 411A of the firstsub-connection electrode 411S, and a plurality of branches 340CP2protruding toward the third region 330C from the main portion 340CP1.The main portion 340CP1 may be electrically connected to the firstsub-connection electrode 411S by contacting the first electrode 411A ofthe first sub-connection electrode 411S.

The third region 330C may include a first portion 330Ca defined by aplurality of grooves 330G′ having a U-shape and formed on a side facingthe opening area OA, and a plurality of second portions 330Cb protrudingtoward a center of the opening area OA in a comb teeth or fork shapefrom the first portion 330Ca.

The plurality of branches 340CP2 of the fourth region 340C may bereceived in the plurality of grooves 330G′ of the third region 330C. Theplurality of branches 340CP2 of the fourth region 340C may be surroundedby the second portions 330Cb of the third region 330C. The secondportions 330Cb of the third region 330C and the plurality of branches340CP2 of the fourth region 340C may be spaced apart from each other byan interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) so as not to overlap eachother in a plan view. The first portion 330Ca of the third region 330Cmay be adjacent to the first sensing electrode 410. When a length offacing sides of the fourth region 340C electrically connected to thefirst sensing electrode 410 and the second region 330C electricallyconnected to the second sensing electrode 420 increases, a touchsensitivity in the first non-display area NDA1 may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 20 , although the protrusion 310CP of the first region310C and the protrusion 340CP of the fourth region 340C are electricallyconnected to each other, the protrusion 310CP and the protrusion 340CPare physically separated from each other. In another embodiment, theprotrusion 310CP of the first region 310C and the protrusion 340CP ofthe fourth region 340C may be physically connected to each other. Thatis, the protrusion 310CP of the first region 310C and the protrusion340CP of the fourth region 340C may be formed as one body.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the metal layer 30 may include first to fourthregions 310D, 320D, 330D, 340D, a fifth region (not shown), and a sixthregion 360D.

The second region 320D may include a first portion 320Da defined by aplurality of grooves 320G″ having a U-shape and formed on a side facingthe opening area OA, and a plurality of second portions 320Db protrudingtoward a center of the opening area OA in a comb teeth or fork shapefrom the first portion 320Da.

The third region 330D may include a first portion 330Da defined by aplurality of grooves 330G″ having a U-shape and formed on a side facingthe opening area OA, and a plurality of second portions 330Db protrudingtoward a center of the opening area OA in a comb teeth or fork shapefrom the first portion 330Da.

The sixth region 360D may be arranged between the second and thirdregions 320D and 330D and the opening area OA. The sixth region 360D mayinclude a plurality of protrusions 360DP extending toward the second andthird regions 320D and 330D beyond a boundary line BL3. The sixth region360D may overlap the first electrode 411A of the first sub-connectionelectrode 411S. The sixth region 360D may be electrically connected tothe first sub-connection electrode 411S by contacting the firstelectrode 411A of the first sub-connection electrode 411S. Theprotrusions 360DP of the sixth region 360D may be received in thegrooves 320G″ and 330G″, respectively, of the second and third regions320D and 330D. The protrusions 360DP of the sixth region 360D may besurrounded by the second portions 320Db and 330Db, respectively, of thesecond and third regions 320D and 330D.

When a length of facing sides of the sixth region 360D electricallyconnected to the first sensing electrode 410 and the second and thirdregions 320D and 330D electrically connected to the second sensingelectrode 420 increases, a touch sensitivity in the first non-displayarea NDA1 may be improved.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged plan view of a region “D” of FIG. 16 according toanother embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22 , the metal layer 30 may include the first tofourth regions (not shown), a fifth region 350D, and a seventh region370D.

The fifth region 350D may include a first portion 350Da defined by aplurality of grooves 350G having a U-shape and formed on a side facingthe opening area OA, and a plurality of second portions 350Db protrudingtoward a center of the opening area OA in a comb teeth or fork shapefrom the first portion 350Da.

The seventh region 370D may be arranged between the fifth region 350Dand the opening area OA. The seventh region 370D may include a pluralityof protrusions 370DP extending toward the fifth region 350D beyond aboundary line BL4. The seventh region 370D may overlap the firstelectrode 411A of the first sub-connection electrode 411S. The seventhregion 370D may be electrically connected to the first sub-connectionelectrode 411S by contacting the first electrode 411A of the firstsub-connection electrode 411S. The protrusions 370DP of the seventhregion 370D may be received in the grooves 350G of the fifth region350D. The protrusions 370DP of the seventh region 370D may be surroundedby the second portions 350Db of the fifth region 350D.

When a length of facing sides of the seventh region 370D electricallyconnected to the first sensing electrode 410 and the fifth region 350Delectrically connected to the second sensing electrode 420 increases, atouch sensitivity in the first non-display area NDA1 may be improved.

In FIGS. 21 and 22 , the first to fifth regions 310D, 320D, 330D, 340D,and 350D are modified examples of the first to fifth regions 310A, 320A,330A, 340A, and 350A of FIG. 16 .

FIGS. 23 to 27 are enlarged plan views of the metal layer 30 accordingto embodiments.

Herein, for convenience of description, a first region and a secondregion of the metal layer 30 that are adjacent to each other aredescribed as an example. One of the first region and the second regionmay be electrically connected to the first sensing electrode 410, andthe other of the first region and the second region may be electricallyconnected to the second sensing electrode 420.

Referring to FIG. 23 , a second region 30E21 may include a protrusion30EP1 extending toward a first region 30E11 beyond a boundary line BL,and the first region 30E11 may have a shape receiving the protrusion30EP1 of the second region 30E21. The protrusion 30EP1 of the secondregion 30E21 has a reducing width W away from the boundary line BL andhas a side having an oblique line shape. A side of the first region30E11 that faces the second region 30E21 may have an oblique line shapecorresponding to the protrusion 30EP1 of the second region 30E21.Accordingly, the first region 30E11 and the second region 30E21 arealternately arranged in an oblique line, and a length of sides facingeach other may be increased compared to a case in which sides parallelto the boundary line BL are provided.

Referring to FIG. 24 , a second region 30E22 may include a protrusion30EP2 extending toward a first region 30E12 beyond a boundary line BL,and the first region 30E12 may have a shape receiving the protrusion30EP2 of the second region 30E22. The protrusion 30EP2 of the secondregion 30E22 has a rectangular line shape and may be received in a spaceformed in a side of the first region 30E12. Accordingly, the firstregion 30E12 and the second region 30E22 are alternately arranged, and alength of sides facing each other may be increased compared to the casein which sides parallel to the boundary line BL are provided. In anembodiment, a width W2 of the protrusion 30EP2 of the second region30E22 may be constant. The width W2 of the protrusion 30EP2 of thesecond region 30E22 may be equal to, greater than, or less than a widthW1 of a corresponding portion of the first region 30E12. FIG. 24 showsan example in which the width W2 of the protrusion 30EP2 of the secondregion 30E22 is greater than the width W1 of the portion of the firstregion 30E12 corresponding to the protrusion 30EP2 of the second region30E22.

Referring to FIG. 25 , a second region 30E23 may include a protrusion30EP3 extending toward a first region 30E13 beyond a boundary line BL,and the first region 30E13 may have a shape receiving the protrusion30EP3 of the second region 30E23. In an embodiment, the protrusion 30EP3of the second region 30E23 may include a first portion 30EP31 having arectangular line shape and a second portion 30EP32 having a squareshape. A width W1 of the first portion 30EP31 may be less than a widthW2 of the second portion 30EP32. The protrusion 30EP3 of the secondregion 30E23 may be received in a space formed in the first region30E13. Accordingly, a length of facing sides of the first region 30E13and the second region 30E23 may be increased compared to the case inwhich sides parallel to the boundary line BL are provided to the firstregion 30E13 and the second region 30E23.

Referring to FIG. 26 , a second region 30E24 may include a protrusion30EP4 extending toward a first region 30E14 beyond a boundary line BL,and the first region 30E14 may have a shape receiving the protrusion30EP4 of the second region 30E24. The protrusion 30EP4 of the secondregion 30E24 may have a sawtooth shape and may be received in acorresponding space of the first region 30E14. Accordingly, a length offacing sides of the first region 30E14 and the second region 30E24 maybe increased compared to the case in which sides parallel to theboundary line BL are provided to the first region 30E14 and the secondregion 30E24.

Referring to FIG. 27 , a second region 30E25 may include a protrusion30EP5 extending toward a first region 30E15 beyond a boundary line BL,and the first region 30E15 may have a shape receiving the protrusion30EP5 of the second region 30E25. The protrusion 30EP5 of the secondregion 30E25 may have a rounded edge shape and may be received in acorresponding space of the first region 30E15. Accordingly, a length offacing sides of the first region 30E15 and the second region 30E25 maybe increased compared to the case in which sides parallel to theboundary line BL are provided to the first region 30E15 and the secondregion 30E25.

FIGS. 23 to 27 are examples in which a second region having a relativelysmall area includes a protrusion protruding toward a first region havinga large area. In another embodiment, the first region having arelatively large area may include a protrusion protruding toward thesecond region having a small area.

The above embodiments have been provided as examples, and a shape of theprotrusion may be varied. In the embodiments, a pair of regions of themetal layer that are adjacent to each other may have any of variousshapes (e.g. a quadrangle, a triangle, a rounded shape, a sawtoothshape, or other arbitrary appropriate shapes) that are associated witheach other without physically contacting each other while beingelectrically insulated from each other.

FIG. 28 may correspond to a cross-sectional view taken along the lineIII-III′ of FIG. 10 . However, FIG. 28 is equally applicable to acorresponding region of FIG. 16 .

First, the display area DA of FIG. 28 is described.

The substrate 100 may include a polymer resin and include a plurality oflayers. For example, the substrate 100 may include a base layerincluding a polymer resin and an inorganic layer. For example, thesubstrate 100 may include a first base layer 101, a first inorganiclayer 102, a second base layer 103, and a second inorganic layer 104that are sequentially stacked.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second base layers 101 and 103may include a polymer resin. For example, each of the first and secondbase layers 101 and 103 may include a polymer resin, such as any ofpolyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI),polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC),cellulose triacetate (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). Thepolymer resin may be transparent.

Each of the first inorganic layer 102 and the second inorganic layer 104may include a barrier layer configured to prevent or substantiallyprevent penetration of an external foreign substance and may include asingle layer or a multi-layer including an inorganic material, such assilicon nitride (SiNx) and silicon oxide (SiOx).

A buffer layer 201 formed to prevent or substantially prevent impuritiesfrom penetrating into a semiconductor layer of a thin film transistormay be arranged on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 201 may includean inorganic material, such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide, and mayinclude a single layer or a multi-layer. In an embodiment, the secondinorganic layer 104 of the substrate 100 may be understood as a portionof the buffer layer 201, which is a multi-layer.

A pixel circuit including a thin film transistor TFT and a capacitor Cstmay be arranged on the buffer layer 201.

The thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer on abuffer layer 201, a gate electrode on an insulating layer 203, and asource electrode and a drain electrode on an insulating layer 207.

The capacitor Cst includes a lower electrode CE1 and an upper electrodeCE2 overlapping each other with an insulating layer 205 therebetween.The capacitor Cst may overlap the thin film transistor TFT. With regardto this, it is shown in FIG. 28 that the gate electrode of the thin filmtransistor TFT also serves as the lower electrode CE1 of the capacitorCst. In another embodiment, the capacitor Cst may not overlap the thinfilm transistor TFT. The capacitor Cst may be covered by the insulatinglayer 207.

In an embodiment, the insulating layers 205 and 207 may include aninorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride,silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, andhafnium oxide. The insulating layers 205 and 207 may include a singlelayer or a multi-layer including the above materials.

The pixel circuit including the thin film transistor TFT and thecapacitor Cst is covered by an insulating layer 209. The insulatinglayer 209 is a planarization insulating layer and may include an organicinsulating layer. The insulating layer 209 may include a general-purposepolymer, such as any of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene(PS), polymer derivatives having a phenol-based group, an acryl-basedpolymer, an imide-based polymer, an aryl ether-based polymer, anamide-based polymer, a fluorine-based polymer, a p-xylene-based polymer,a vinyl alcohol-based polymer, or a blend thereof. In an embodiment, theinsulating layer 209 may include polyimide.

A display element, for example, an organic light-emitting diode isarranged on the insulating layer 209. A pixel electrode 221 of theorganic light-emitting diode is arranged on the insulating layer 209 andmay be connected to the pixel circuit through a contact hole of theinsulating layer 209.

The pixel electrode 221 may include a conductive oxide, such as indiumtin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide(In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). Inanother embodiment, the pixel electrode 221 may include a reflectivelayer including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or a compoundthereof. In another embodiment, the pixel electrode 221 may furtherinclude a layer including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In₂O₃ on and/or under theabove reflective layer.

A pixel-defining layer 211 includes an opening exposing a top surface ofthe pixel electrode 221 and covers edges of the pixel electrodes 221.The pixel-defining layer 211 may include an organic insulating material.Alternatively, the pixel-defining layer 211 may include an inorganicinsulating material or organic and inorganic insulating materials.

An intermediate layer 222 includes an emission layer. The emission layermay include a polymer or low molecular weight organic material thatemits light of a predetermined color. In an embodiment, the intermediatelayer 222 may include a first functional layer arranged under theemission layer and/or a second functional layer arranged on the emissionlayer.

The first functional layer may include a single layer or a multi-layer.For example, in a case in which the first functional layer includes apolymer material, the first functional layer may include a holetransport layer (HTL), which has a single-layered structure, and mayinclude poly-(3,4)-ethylene-dihydroxy thiophene (PEDOT) or polyaniline(PANI). In a case in which the first functional layer includes a lowmolecular weight material, the first functional layer may include any ofa hole injection layer (HIL) and an HTL.

In an embodiment, the second functional layer may be omitted. Forexample, in a case in which the first functional layer and the emissionlayer include a polymer material, the second functional layer may beprovided to make a characteristic of the organic light-emitting diodeexcellent. The second functional layer may be a single layer or amulti-layer. In an embodiment, the second functional layer may includean electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer(EIL).

Some of the plurality of layers constituting the intermediate layer 222,for example, the functional layer(s), may be arranged in not only thedisplay area DA but also in the first non-display area NDA1, and aredisconnected by first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5, whichwill be described below, in the first non-display area NDA1.

An opposite electrode 223 faces the pixel electrode 221 with theintermediate layer 222 therebetween. The opposite electrode 223 mayinclude a conductive material having a small work function. For example,the opposite electrode 223 may include a (semi) transparent layerincluding Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, or an alloythereof. Alternatively, the opposite electrode 223 may further include alayer including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In₂O₃ on the (semi) transparent layerincluding the above-mentioned material.

The display element may be covered by a thin-film encapsulation layer230 to be protected by external foreign substances, moisture, etc. Thethin-film encapsulation layer 230 is arranged on the opposite electrode223. The thin-film encapsulation layer 230 may include at least oneorganic encapsulation layer and at least one inorganic encapsulationlayer. It is shown in FIG. 28 that the thin-film encapsulation layer 230includes first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 231 and 233 andan organic encapsulation layer 232 therebetween. In another embodiment,the number of organic encapsulation layers, the number of inorganicencapsulation layers, and a stacking sequence may be varied.

In an embodiment, the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers231 and 233 may include one or more inorganic insulating materials, suchas any of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide,zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride, andmay be formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The organicencapsulation layer 232 may include a polymer-based material. In anembodiment, the polymer-based material may include any of anacrylic-based resin (e.g. polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyacrylicacid), an epoxy-based resin, polyimide, and polyethylene.

In an embodiment, an input sensing layer is arranged on the thin-filmencapsulation layer 230. With regard to this, FIG. 22 shows the firstsensing electrode 410 arranged on the thin-film encapsulation layer 230.The first sensing electrode 410 includes a hole 410H corresponding to anemission area of the organic light-emitting diode as described abovewith reference to FIG. 9B. An end 410E of the first sensing electrode410 on the organic light-emitting diode that is adjacent to the openingarea OA may extend to the first non-display area NDA1 as described abovewith reference to FIG. 11 .

The first non-display area NDA1 of FIG. 28 is described.

Referring to the first non-display area NDA1 of FIG. 28 , the firstnon-display area NDA1 may include a first sub-non-display area SNDA1that is relatively away from the opening area OA, and a secondsub-non-display area SNDA2 that is relatively close to the opening areaOA.

The first sub-non-display area SNDA1 is an area across which signallines pass. The data lines DL and the scan lines SL of the firstsub-non-display area SNDA1 may correspond to data lines and scan linesdetouring the opening area OA described with reference to FIG. 5 . Thefirst sub-non-display area SNDA1 may include a wiring area or adetouring area across which signal lines pass.

The second sub-non-display area SNDA2 is a kind of groove area in whichgrooves are arranged. FIG. 28 shows first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3,G4, and G5 arranged in the second sub-non-display area SNDA2. In anembodiment, each of the first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5may have an undercut structure. The first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3,G4, and G5 may be formed in a multi-layer including an organic layer andan inorganic layer. For example, the first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3,G4, and G5 may be formed by removing a portion of the substrate 100including a plurality of layers.

In an embodiment, each of the first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, andG5 may be formed by etching the second base layer 103 and the secondinorganic layer 104 thereon of the substrate 100. It is shown in FIG. 28that the first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5 are formed byremoving a portion of the second base layer 103 and a portion of thesecond inorganic layer 104. It is shown in FIG. 28 that the buffer 201on the second inorganic layer 104 is concurrently (e.g., simultaneously)removed with the second inorganic layer 104. Although the buffer layer201 and the second inorganic layer 104 are respectively denoted bydifferent reference numerals in FIG. 28 , the buffer layer 201 may beunderstood as one of layers of the second inorganic layer 104, which isa multi-layer, or the second inorganic layer 104 may be understood asone of layers of the buffer layer 201, which is a multi-layer.

In an embodiment, each of the first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, andG5 may have an undercut structure in which a width passing through thesecond base layer 103 is greater than a width passing through aninorganic insulating layer(s), for example, the second inorganic layer104 and/or the buffer layer 201. Through the undercut structure of thefirst to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5, a portion 222′ (e.g. thefirst and second functional layers) of the intermediate layer 222 andthe opposite electrode 223 may be disconnected. It is shown in FIG. 28that the portion 222′ of the intermediate layer 222 and the oppositeelectrode 223 is disconnected around the first to fifth grooves G1, G2,G3, G4, and G5.

In an embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 231 of thethin-film encapsulation layer 230 may cover an inner surface of thefirst to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5. The organic encapsulationlayer 232 may cover the first groove G1 and fill the first groove G1 onthe first inorganic encapsulation layer 231. In an embodiment, theorganic encapsulation layer 232 may be formed by coating a monomer overthe substrate 100 and hardening the monomer. In an embodiment, apartition wall 510 may be provided between the first and second groovesG1 and G2 so as to control a flow of the monomer and secure a thicknessof the monomer (or the organic encapsulation layer). The partition wall510 may include an organic insulating material.

In an embodiment, during a process of forming the organic encapsulationlayer 232, there may be a material of the organic encapsulation layer232 in some of the grooves. It is shown in FIG. 28 that there is anorganic material 232A in the second and fourth grooves G2 and G4.

The second inorganic encapsulation layer 233 is arranged on the organicencapsulation layer 232 and may directly contact the first inorganicencapsulation layer 231 on the second to fifth grooves G2, G3, G4, andG5.

A planarization layer 600 may be located in the second sub-non-displayarea SNDA2 to cover at least one groove. For example, the planarizationlayer 600 may cover the first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5.The planarization layer 600 may cover the second to fifth grooves G2,G3, G4, and G5 and fill at least one of the second to fifth grooves G2,G3, G4, and G5. As shown in FIG. 28 , a space of the second to fifthgrooves G2, G3, G4, and G5 over the second inorganic encapsulation layer233 may be filled with the planarization layer 600.

The planarization layer 600 may increase flatness of the display panel10 around the opening area OA by covering an area of the secondsub-non-display area SNDA2 that is not covered by the organicencapsulation layer 232. The planarization layer 600 may include anorganic insulating material. While elements such as an anti-reflectionmember or a window, etc. are arranged on the display panel 10, theplanarization layer 600 may prevent or substantially prevent theelements from being separated, or floated from the display panel 10, orbeing improperly coupled on the display panel 10.

The planarization layer 600 may extend on the thin-film encapsulationlayer 230 and may be spatially separated from the organic encapsulationlayer 232 by the second inorganic encapsulation layer 233. For example,like the planarization layer 600 is arranged on the second inorganicencapsulation layer 233, and the organic encapsulation layer 232 isarranged under the second inorganic encapsulation layer 233, the organicencapsulation layer 232 and the planarization layer 600 may be spatiallyseparated from each other. The organic encapsulation layer 232 and theplanarization layer 600 may not directly contact each other. In anembodiment, the planarization layer 600 may have a thickness of 5 μm ormore.

The metal layer 30 (see FIG. 10 ) may be arranged on the planarizationlayer 600. FIG. 28 shows the first region 310, which is a portion of themetal layer 30. The first region 310, that is, the metal layer 30 maycover signal lines (e.g. the data lines DL and the scan lines SL)arranged in the first non-display area NDA1.

A width of the metal layer 30, for example, the first region 310 may beless than a width of the first non-display area NDA1 as described abovewith reference to FIG. 6 . It is shown in FIG. 28 that the metal layer30, for example, the first region 310, does not overlap the first tofifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5. In another embodiment, the metallayer 30, for example, the first region 310, may overlap and cover atleast one of the first to fifth grooves G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5.

Although it is shown in FIG. 28 that the metal layer 30 and the inputsensing layer 40 are directly arranged on the planarization layer 600,this is for convenience of description. As shown in FIG. 8 , at leastone insulating layer, for example, the first insulating layer 41 and thesecond insulating layer 43 may be further arranged between theplanarization layer 600 and the metal layer 30 and between theplanarization layer 600 and the input sensing layer 40.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of a portion of a display device 1′ according toanother embodiment; and FIG. 30 is a plan view of the metal layer 30 andthe input sensing layer 40 of the display device 1′ of FIG. 29 .

Although it has been described that the opening area OA of the displaydevice 1 is entirely surrounded by the display area DA, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 29 , in the displaydevice 1′, the opening area OA may be partially surrounded by thedisplay area DA. In this case, the first non-display area NDA1surrounding the opening area OA may be connected to the secondnon-display area NDA2 extending along an edge of the substrate 100.

Referring to FIG. 30 , the metal layer 30 is arranged in the firstnon-display area NDA1 surrounding the opening area OA. The metal layer30 may include a plurality of regions. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the metal layer 30 may include first to third regions 310″, 320″, and330″. The metal layer 30 shown in FIG. 30 may have the same structureand/or characteristic as that of the embodiment described with referenceto FIGS. 6 to 27 with only a difference in the number of regions.

FIG. 31 is a plan view of an input sensing layer 40′ of a display panel10 according to another embodiment; and FIG. 32 is a cross-sectionalview taken along the line VI-VI′ of FIG. 31 .

Referring to FIG. 31 , the input sensing layer 40′ may include firstsensing electrodes 450, first trace lines 455 connected to the firstsensing electrodes 450, second sensing electrodes 460, and second tracelines 465 connected to the second sensing electrodes 460. The firstsensing electrodes 450 and the second sensing electrodes 460 may bearranged in the display area DA and connected to the sensing signal pad440 through the first and second trace lines 455 and 465. A portion ofthe first and second trace lines 455 and 465 may be arranged in thedisplay area DA.

The first sensing electrodes 450 and the second sensing electrodes 460may be arranged along a y-direction, and the first sensing electrodes450 and the second sensing electrodes 460 may be alternately arranged inan x-direction. The first sensing electrode 450 may extend along in they-direction. The plurality of second sensing electrodes 460 may bearranged in the y-direction and arranged between the first sensingelectrodes 450 arranged along the x-direction. The plurality of secondsensing electrodes 460 may face one first sensing electrode 450.Although it is shown in FIG. 31 that six second sensing electrodes 460correspond to one first sensing electrode 450, the number of firstsensing electrodes 450 and the number of second sensing electrodes 460may be varied depending on a touch resolution of the input sensing layer40.

In an embodiment, the first sensing electrode 450 and the second sensingelectrode 460 may have an approximately quadrangular shape. An area or asize of the plurality of second sensing electrodes 460 corresponding toone first sensing electrode 450 may be reduced toward the sensing signalpad 440.

At least one side of the first and second sensing electrodes 450 and 460adjacent to the opening area OA may have a shape transformed along acircumference of the opening area OA. Accordingly, an area of the firstand second sensing electrodes 450 and 460 adjacent to the opening areaOA may be less than an area of the first and second sensing electrodes450 and 460 in other areas. Areas or sizes of the first and secondsensing electrodes 450 and 460 adjacent to the opening area OA may bedifferent from each other. In an embodiment, the metal layer 30 mayinclude a same material as that of one of the first and second sensingelectrodes 450 and 460 and may be formed during a same process as aprocess of forming the first and second sensing electrodes 450 and 460.

The metal layer 30 is arranged in the first non-display area NDA1surrounding the opening area OA. The metal layer 30 may include aplurality of regions. With regard to this, in an example of FIG. 31 ,the metal layer 30 includes first to third regions 310′″, 320′″, and330′″. However, the metal layer 30 may include two or more regions, andthe number of regions may be varied. The first to third regions 310′″,320′″, and 330′″ may be arranged in a circumferential directionsurrounding an edge of the opening area OA. The first to third regions310′″, 320′″, and 330′″ may be spaced apart from each other.

Although not shown, at least one of the first to third regions 310′″,320′″, and 330′″ may be electrically connected to the first sensingelectrode 450 or the second sensing electrode 460. Each of the first tothird regions 310′″, 320′″, and 330′″ may be electrically connected to asensing electrode to which a voltage different from that of a sensingelectrode adjacent thereto is applied. The first region 310′″ adjacentto the first sensing electrode 450 may be electrically connected to thesecond sensing electrode 460 in the neighborhood. The second and thirdregions 320′″ and 330′″ adjacent to the second sensing electrode 460 maybe electrically connected to the first sensing electrode 450 in theneighborhood.

As shown in FIG. 32 , in an embodiment, the first sensing electrode 450,the second sensing electrode 460, and the metal layer 30 may be locatedon a same layer and may include a same material. The first sensingelectrode 450, the second sensing electrode 460, and the metal layer 30may be formed on the second insulating layer 43. The first sensingelectrode 450 and the second sensing electrode 460 include metal. Forexample, the first sensing electrode 450 and the second sensingelectrode 460 may include any of Mo, Al, Cu, and Ti and may include asingle layer or a multi-layer including the above materials. In anembodiment, each of the first sensing electrode 450 and the secondsensing electrode 460 may include a multi-layer including Ti/Al/Ti.

According to embodiments, a wiring of an opening area or around anopening may be prevented or substantially prevented from being viewed tothe outside due to a metal layer arranged in the opening area or aroundthe opening, and touch sensitivity of the opening area or around theopening may be prevented or substantially prevented from being reduced.

Although the disclosure has been described with reference to someembodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely provided as anexample and it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat various changes in form and details and equivalents thereof may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus comprising: a substratecomprising an opening area and a display area at least partiallysurrounding the opening area; a first sensing electrode in the displayarea adjacent to the opening area; a second sensing electrode in thedisplay area adjacent to the opening area and facing the first sensingelectrode in a first direction; a connection electrode in a non-displayarea between the opening area and the display area and electricallyconnected to the first sensing electrode and the second sensingelectrode; and a metal layer in the non-display area and connected tothe connection electrode.